Expect to see Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, The Smurfs, Chinese and international classic cartoons and comic books with paintings, drawings, sculptures and more displayed at the family-friendly, FREE art centre right next to Luhu Park. Great place to take kids to on a rainy (or a scorching) day!

I had been wanting to visit Guangzhou People’s Art Centre since it’s opening a few months back because it sounded appealing but what I did not know was that there was an extensive animation(children’s) section there too! While I thought I was dragging my 4 year old to an art centre only for grown ups, mentally preparing myself that he wouldn’t let me stay there longer than 10 minutes, I was actually the one rushing him out!

Even though my son is too little to be familiar with most of the animation characters, which can be seen there, he still throughly enjoyed the interactive displays, being able to touch some exhibits, walking through special tunnels (pictured above) and just being in such a colourful, vibrant and fun environment.

If you’ve got older kids, they’re likely to get even more out of it as they may know more of the characters/cartoons. And as for grown ups, seeing the paintings and drawings might result in feeling some childhood/youth nostalgia-it certainly brought my memories back of watching Sailor Moon, pausing the episodes recorded from TV onto a VHS tape and trying to draw anime whilst staring at the screen!Oh the days without internet:)

Understandably, most of the art pieces are related to Chinese and Japanese cartoons so if you know your Mr. Black from Monkey King, you’ll appreciate it the most. I dare say that even if your child is very young they will still like this part of the art centre.

There is also a small area dedicated specifically to the films by the legendary Hayao Miyakazi from ‘Princess Mononoke‘ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle‘ fame, to name a few. I’ll be honest, even though the art pieces are nothing spectacular it was still my favourite part. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to appreciate the details of the illustrations as my child was desperate to keep moving-he spotted a glimpse of monsters in the room next door and that’s what it!

Guangzhou People’s Art Centre is not stylish or modern like the Bai’etan GBA Art Centre in Liwan or the visually stunning Guangzhou Cultural and Art Centre next to Haizhu Lake Park; the building is quite old-fashioned but interesting in its own way, there’s no fancy technology and it all feels a bit dated BUT is that really a problem? It was engaging, free and easy to get to, family-friendly, it sparked conversation about art with my child and offered us something different, thoughtful and entertaining, what more is needed?

In addition to the animation and comic book section, there are many other halls and special exhibitions, which I will definitely see, this time on my own:) Location of this art centre is a real plus as it’s right next to Luhu Park so you could do like we did and pop in there after taking a stroll at this lovely park.

To sum up, if you’d like to take your child to see some art but, understandably, worry about them being bored to death, and in the best case scenario-restless, in the worst case scenario-whining endlessly-bring them here. It will be a nice, short introduction, nothing too painful and dare I say it, even tweens/teens might actually enjoy it:) And if you’d like to use your kids as an excuse to see some cartoon characters from your childhood-go for it! No judgement:)

Have you taken kids to any of Guangzhou’s art museums/galleries?

Info:

Address: No.13 Luhu Road, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays, 9-5pm.

Getting here: Metro Line 5 to Xiaobei, exit C, turn right and walk behind the metro station, after a few minutes you will see the large building where the art centre is. There is a bus stop right outside the metro exit so buses may be the best option for you if you don’t live too far.

Parking: On-site.

Food: The café in the art centre only offers sweet treats, however this being Xiaobei area you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of Turkish,Arabic and African restaurants! There is even a Xinjiangnese street nearby, which feels like a different world and offers a variety of Halal foods and Middle-Eastern style desserts. I can personally recommend Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant located outside Xiaobei station, exit A-been there many times and the food is really tasty. You could also eat in the pleasant dim sum restaurant on Luhu Lake.

Cost: FREE (except for some special exhibitions and events)

Facilities: There is a café, several resting areas indoor, a gift shop and of course toilets. The animation section is on ground floor so is pram-and wheelchair-friendly. There is a ramp leading to the main entrance.

Age: I can’t imagine toddlers enjoying this place so I would say 4+ and parents with small babies.